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2008 BABE Rally Triumph Spitfire buildup

Last year my sister and I rode from Staten Island to New Orleans in a 1983 GL wagon that cost me $100. That car was far too reliable, so I'm taking it up (or down) a notch this year.

Say hello to my '78 Triumph Spitfire. It will be piloted by me and my friend Rob this year. It cost me $250, which is the maximum price allowed for any car in this event (minus the costs to make it drivable/ safe).

It quickly became apparent that there wasn't much left in places, no matter how much was brazed.

So the really bad parts have been cut out and metal from an old bookshelf welded in.

I'm waiting for a can of RED KOTE tank sealer to show up. After that's done, the car will be very close to drivable. We've converted it to a Delco alternator, fixed all sorts of wiring, fixed many holes, rebuilt the carb, slapped on some new tires (Cornell 1000's from Pep Boys @ $19.99 ea.), replaced the majority of the brake hard lines, rebuilt the rear wheel cylinders, rebuilt the clutch slave cylinder, replaced broken transmission mounts, adjusted the valves, fixed oil leaks, converted it to electric cooling fan, and have driven it with a gas can strapped to the hood. It's an absolute riot.

OMG it's so freakin' hilarious to drive. It's so small, and Rob and I are not. Your elbow rests like halfway down the door. It's almost easier stepping over the door into and out of it than trying to get footing that close to the ground.

We drove it substantially for the first time tonight. Maybe 10 miles. 4000rpm at 68 MPH. But it's suprisingly quiet inside.

By the way, it has no convertible top. We are not planning on having a top during the BABE rally.

Had a 64 when I was a teenager. Truly a terrible car. Be warned that because of the rear suspension design, this car can kill you if you take a curve too fast. I still have a vivid memory the first time in a curve the rear wheels left the road.